Robertson AP45 Autopilot
Operation
Simrad Robertson AS
Egersund - Norway
Page 2-1
2. OPERATION OF THE AUTOPILOT
Fig. 2-1
AP45 Control Unit - front panel
AP45 autopilot is operated by means of keypad push buttons on the front panel. To
facilitate operation, the buttons are marked with text and symbols. The buttons
are backlighted, activated mode buttons being brighter than the others.
Course selection is made by the rotary Course Selector Knob. Course adjustments
in steps of one degree can be achieved by the port or starboard push buttons.
The front panel has two LCD displays, referred to as the information display (left
side) and the course display (right side). An alarm buzzer and an alarm reset
button is also on the front panel.
A few simple operations like pressing a button and/or turning the Course Selector
Knob is required in ordinary use of the autopilot. All other instructions and data
required for the operation is stored in the autopilot at delivery from Robertson.
The front panel can be divided into three sections: Mode selection, Parameter
setting and Course selection.
Together with the OFF-button and the 4 mode buttons, this section also contains
an alarm buzzer and ALARM RESET-button.
MANUAL
The MANUAL button serves two purposes. It switches on the autopilot and selects
manual steering mode. In this mode the Course Display gives a digital readout of
compass heading, while the vessel can be steered manually by helm or steering
lever(s).
AUTO
The AUTO-mode is used under normal conditions when the boat is steered
automatically on a preset course.
When the AUTO-button is pressed, the autopilot selects the current vessel
heading as "course to steer".
General
Front Panel
Mode selection